Vehicle Description
A steadfast modern icon, the Mercedes-Benz Gel?ndewagen or
"cross-country vehicle" is the fruit of military-vehicle
collaborations dating to 1972 between Daimler-Benz and Austria's
Steyr-Daimler-Puch. Interestingly, development was advocated by the
Shah of Iran, a significant shareholder in Daimler-Benz AG at the
time. The first civilian version came in 1979 and these rugged, yet
stylish vehicles have been developed into myriad versions, with the
original 'W460' models supplanted by the updated 'W461' series in
1992, with production continuing today with the 'W463.' While
initially intended as a high-mobility military vehicle suited to
the harshest terrain and forbidding driving conditions, the
Mercedes-Benz G-Series is best-known as the civilianized "G-Wagen."
Once civilian sales began, these rugged vehicles took on a double
life as fashionable and highly luxurious accessories for the
wealthy. Nonetheless, the off-road prowess of the G-Wagen is
nothing short of phenomenal and its ability to seamlessly adapt to
virtually any requirement has made it one of the most capable
Mercedes-Benz models of the modern era, with a legendary reputation
matched only by the iconic Unimog trucks. Production of the 'W460'
G-Class included variants built in Algeria and Greece, plus a
myriad of models for specific German domestic and export markets.
The 200 GE, represented by this marvelous 200 GE Cabriolet, was
produced for Mercedes' Italian export market, where heavy tax
penalties were levied against vehicles powered by engines
displacing over 2.0 liters. Built on the short-wheelbase model
460.215 chassis measuring 2,400 millimeters (94.5 inches), versus
the standard 2,850-millimter wheelbase, it is powered by the
Italian-specific 2.0-liter, M102.964 gasoline engine equipped with
Bosch KE-Jetronic fuel injection and rated at 134 brake horsepower.
Other standard 200 GE features included power-assisted steering and
a five-speed manual transmission. Delivered new to Milan, Italy,
this highly engaging 1988 Mercedes-Benz 200 GE Cabriolet was
lovingly cared for by its Italian owners and still sports the
original registration plates. Features and options included power
brakes, font and rear locking differentials with a dual-range
transfer case, a heavy-duty battery, a 13.5-liter auxiliary fuel
tank, rear mud flaps, and a front towing coupler. Finished in Beige
Grey (DB7728), the 200 GE features a highly inviting interior
compartment, trimmed in optional light brown tartan cloth
upholstery, offered as part of the code V05 "luxury" package
(luxury being relative, of course). Other choice features include
headlamp guards, optional front-seat headrests, a versatile folding
rear seat, a Black vinyl convertible top, fold-down rear tailgate,
a covered rear-mounted spare wheel/tire, alloy wheels, and a rear
trailer hitch. Paint, exterior trim, and upholstery are all in
superb original condition from stem to stern. It is
factory-standard with the exception of a Becker Traffic Pro
stereo/navigation unit. Previous owners have documented the
G-Wagen's provenance, beginning with the original owner's purchase
in April 1988, through its sale in 2003 to the second owner,
through whom it passed in 2005 to the third owner, who retained the
vehicle until 2020. Since then, service and maintenance work
included installation of new tires and new Bilstein shock
absorbers, and rebuilding of the steering gear, fuel injection, and
front axle. Following completion of these items, the 200 GE was
exported to California. Crucially, the 200 GE retains its correct
M102.964 engine. Presented in excellent, well-preserved original
condition throughout, this exceptionally well sorted and
attractive, Italian-market G-Wagen is ready for off-road fun and
adventures and is likely to draw admirers everywhere you take it.
Offers welcome and trades considered For additional details please
view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7448-1988-mercedes-benz-g200-cabrio/
